Handheld cleaning implement

ABSTRACT

A handheld cleaning implement of unitary body construction has a handle section which is connected to an angled cleaning head support section to which the cleaning head, having an element with an abrasive surface like a brush, or a sponge, or other common cleaning head, is connected. The handled section and cleaning head section intersect at an obtuse angle to one another, in order to more efficiently and ergonomically direct manual cleaning forces through the implement to the cleaning head. A ring-like bridge support member is positioned at the intersection of the handle and cleaning head sections. This bridge support member permits the insertion of one or two fingers of the user to thus assist in applying concentrated manual force through the implement to the cleaning head.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Handheld cleaning implements which employ abrasive and sponge surfaceshave long provided an effective tool for scrubbing and cleaning dirtydishes, silverware, pots, appliances, and a variety of other soiledsurfaces. However, prior implements require that the user grasp theimplement's handle by placing it in the palm of his or her hand with allfingers wrapped around the handle. The manual pressure which is exertedon the implement is thus supplied by the force of the palm of the handapplied in a downward and forward direction. This force is transferredalong the substantially straight body of the handle to the cleaning headof the implement. While the use of such implements in this manner hasbeen shown to be somewhat effective, the manual force applied to thesoiled surface through the implement by the user could be better andmore efficiently employed if the implement were configured to allow amore efficient transfer of the manual forces and to permit the user tohold it in a more comfortable and natural position. Thus, a cleaningimplement which makes more efficient use of the manual force supplied bythe user and concentrates and directs this force more efficientlythrough the implement to the soiled surface, while providing acomfortable ergonomic design, would represent a substantial improvementover existing implements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a handheldcleaning implement which overcomes the limitations and disadvantages ofprior cleaning implements.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a handheld cleaningimplement which employs the manual force applied by the user, throughthe implement to the cleaning surface, in a more efficient andadvantageous manner.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a handheldcleaning implement which more efficiently concentrates the manual forceapplied by the user through the implement by use of an angledconfiguration of the implement.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a handheldcleaning implement which is ergonomic in design and is configured toallow the user to hold the implement in a more comfortable and naturalposition.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide ahandheld cleaning implement which permits the user to grasp theimplement not only with the palm of his hand, but also with anindividual finger or fingers, to provide concentrated manual forcesthrough the implement to the cleaning surface.

These and other objects are accomplished by the present invention, ahandheld cleaning implement of unitary body construction. The implementhas a handle section connected to an angled cleaning head supportsection to which the cleaning head, having an element with an abrasivesurface like a brush, or a sponge, or other common cleaning head, isconnected. The handled section and cleaning head section intersect at anobtuse angle to one another, in order to more efficiently andergonomically direct manual cleaning forces through the implement to thecleaning head. A ring-like bridge support member is positioned at theintersection of the handle and cleaning head sections. This bridgesupport member permits the insertion of one or two fingers of the userto thus assist in applying concentrated manual force through theimplement to the cleaning head.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic of theinvention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. Theinvention, itself, both as to its design, construction, and use,together with additional features and advantages thereof, are bestunderstood upon review of the following detailed description withreference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevation view of the handheld cleaning implement of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the handheld cleaning implement of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the handheld cleaning implement of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the handheld cleaning implement of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the handheld cleaning implement of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is an elevation view of the handheld cleaning implement of thepresent invention, showing the angle of intersection between theimplement sections.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Handheld cleaning implement 1 of the present invention comprises handlesection 2, configured to permit the user to grasp the handle by placingit in the palm of his or her hand. Implement 1 further comprisescleaning head support section 3, extending at an obtuse angle inrelation to section 2. FIG. 6 shows this angle 4, formed by theintersection of longitudinal axis 5 of section 2 and longitudinal axis 6of section 3, to be approximately 160°. However, it is contemplated thatthe interconnection between sections 2 and 3 can be angled at anycomfortable obtuse angle, e.g. between 91° and 179°, depending on thecomfort and preference of the user. The configuration of implement 1should not be considered restrictive by the angle between sections 2 and3.

The end of section 3 is connected to cleaning head 7 of implement 1,which can be an element with an abrasive surface, such as brush 9, orother well-known cleaning surface such as a sponge or foam cleaningapplicator or equivalent cleaning surface.

Ring-like bridge support member 10 is connected substantially at theintersection between sections 2 and 3, providing opening 12 throughwhich the fingers of the user can be positioned. Implement 1 is mostefficiently configured for insertion into opening 12 of one or possiblytwo of the user's fingers.

Thus, a user grasps handle section 2 of implement 1 and optimally placesone or possibly two fingers depending on the size of the user's hand andthe comfort of the user, through opening 12 of bridge support member 10.Application of manual cleaning force from the user can thus be applied,not only by the exertion of pressure on handle section 2, but also byconcentrated pressure exerted by one or two of the user's fingerslocated through opening 12 of bridge support member 10. The angledconfiguration of implement 1 permits the manual force which is appliedto be concentrated and directed at an angle downward and forward throughangled section 3 to cleaning head 7 and ultimately to the soiled surfaceto be cleaned. Implement 1 of the present invention thereby provides acleaning tool which more efficiently and comfortably provides manualcleaning forces to soiled surfaces.

Implement 1 can be manufactured as a single component, e.g. of unibodymolded construction, or by manufacturing separate pieces and attachingthese pieces to form the unitary implement described herein.

Certain novel features and components of this invention are disclosed indetail in order to make the invention clear in at least one formthereof. However, it is to be clearly understood that the invention asdisclosed is not necessarily limited to the exact form and details asdisclosed, since it is apparent that various modifications and changesmay be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

1. A handheld implement for manually cleaning surfaces, said implementcomprising a unitary body having two sections, a first sectioncomprising a handle component and a second section extending at anobtuse angle in relation to said handle component, said second sectioncomprising cleaning head means for cleaning soiled surfaces, said bodyfurther comprising bridge support means located substantially at theintersection of the two sections for the insertion of one or morefingers of a user.
 2. The implement as in claim 1 wherein the angle isin the range between 91° and 179°.
 3. The implement as in claim 1wherein the angle is approximately 160°.
 4. The implement as in claim 1wherein the cleaning head means comprises an element with an abrasivesurface.
 5. The implement as in claim 1 wherein the cleaning head meanscomprises an element with sponge material.
 6. The implement as in claim1 wherein the bridge support means comprises a ring-like bridgecomponent which extends between the two sections.
 7. The implement as inclaim 5 wherein the bridge component encompasses an opening for theinsertion of one or two fingers of a user.
 8. The implement as in claim1 wherein the bridge support means comprises an opening for theinsertion of one or two fingers of the user.
 9. A handheld implement formanually cleaning surfaces, said implement comprising a unitary bodyhaving a first section with a longitudinal axis and a second sectionwith a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axii of said first and secondsections intersecting at an obtuse angle, said second section comprisingcleaning head means for cleaning soiled surfaces, said body furthercomprising bridge support means located substantially at theintersection of the axii of the two sections for the insertion of one ormore fingers of a user.
 10. The implement as in claim 9 wherein theangle is in the range between 91° and 179°.
 11. The implement as inclaim 9 wherein the angle is approximately 160°.
 12. The implement as inclaim 9 wherein the cleaning head means comprises an element with anabrasive surface.
 13. The implement as in claim 9 wherein the cleaninghead means comprises an element with sponge material.
 14. The implementas in claim 9 wherein the bridge support means comprises a ring-likebridge component which extends between the two sections.
 15. Theimplement as in claim 14 wherein the bridge component encompasses anopening for the insertion of one or two fingers of a user.
 16. Theimplement as in claim 9 wherein the bridge support means comprises anopening for the insertion of one or two fingers of the user.